#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “BEAST”

Idris Elba stars in BEAST! See the brand-new Trailer.

Synopsis:

Sometimes the rustle in the bushes actually is a monster.

Idris Elba (Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, The Suicide Squad) stars in a pulse-pounding new thriller about a father and his two teenage daughters who find themselves hunted by a massive rogue lion intent on proving that the savannah has but one apex predator. 

Elba plays Dr. Nate Daniels, a recently widowed husband who returns to South Africa, where he first met his wife, on a long-planned trip with their daughters to a game reserve managed by Martin Battles (Sharlto Copley, Russian Doll series, Maleficent), an old family friend and wildlife biologist. But what begins as a journey of healing jolts into a fearsome fight for survival when a lion, a survivor of blood-thirsty poachers who now sees all humans as the enemy, begins stalking them. 

Iyana Halley (The Hate U Give, This is Us series) plays Daniels’ 18-year-old daughter, Meredith, and Leah Sava Jeffries (Rel series, Empire series) plays his 13-year-old, Norah. 

From visceral, experiential filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur, the director of Everest and Universal Pictures’ 2 Guns and Contraband, Beast is produced by Will Packer, the blockbuster producer of Girls Trip, the Ride Along franchise, and ten movies that have opened No. 1 at the U.S. box office, including Night School, No Good Deed and Think Like a Man, by James Lopez, president of Will Packer Productions, and by Baltasar Kormákur. The film is written by Ryan Engle (Rampage, Non-Stop) from an original story by Jaime Primak Sullivan and is executive produced by Jaime Primak Sullivan and Bernard Bellew.

Universal Pictures Canada release BEAST in theatres August 19, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: “MR. MALCOLM’S LIST” TRAILER

A new Trailer has arrived for MR. MALCOLM’S LIST featuring a phenomenal Cast that includes Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, Freida Pinto, Theo James, Ashley Park, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and more!

Synopsis:

Finding perfection can be… complicated. Based on the novel and the short film of the same name, a young woman courts a mysterious wealthy suitor in 1800s England, unaware of his unattainable list of conditions for a future wife.
Directed by: Emma Holly Jones 
Written by: Suzanne Allain

levelFILM release MR. MALCOLM’S LIST in-theatres July 1, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: levelFILM)

#CANNES22: “THE SILENT TWINS” REVIEW

By Amanda Gilmore

Director Agnieszka Smoczynska’s latest is based upon the Novel written by Marjorie Wallace about real-life Welsh twins June (Letitia Wright) and Jennifer Gibbons (Tamara Lawrence), who were part of the only Black family in their small town. They would only communicate with one other. Thus, causing the community to believe something was wrong with them. When they grew-up, they were caught vandalizing and sent to Broadmoor, an infamous Psychiatric Hospital, where they face the choice to separate and survive or die together.

Smoczynska begins with the twins in childhood. It’s clear from the get go that the two have their own language. She captures their free spirited childhood, while alone together, through them hosting their own radio show together. These moments are captured with vivid lighting that gives everything a dreamlike appearance. However, Smoczynska and Cinematographer Jakub Kijowski retract these light purples, pinks, blues and yellows fade once someone interrupts their privacy. This becomes increasingly more clear when June and Jennifer are torn apart from each other.

When we are introduced to them as teens, we are brought into the world of adolescent coming-of-age. Both desire to become Authors. When Jennifer receives rejection letters, the two decide they need to live a little outside their shelter. Therefore, leading them into young romance. They fall for the same boy and subsequently go on a vandalism spree. They are in the time of their lives when they are experimenting. Even if the decisions they make lead them to dangerous situations, we empathize with them.

In the Final Act, the twins end up at Broadmoor. It’s here that we see the extent of their bond. When they are separated from the other they become catatonic. It’s as if they can’t survive without the other. The Silent Twins is one of the most beautiful depictions of sibling connection on-screen. This is aided by the formidable performances from Wright and Gibbons. They have an effortless chemistry and really delve into these women. They let us get close enough to understanding these twins.

The Silent Twins is a beautiful story about the bond between June and Jennifer Gibbons. It examines themes of otherness and belonging while being a critique on psychiatric facilities such as the infamous Broadmoor. Additionally, it’s a love letter to the twins. Smoczynska and Screenwriter Andrea Seigel go further than simply adapting the Novel. They use the journals from June and Jennifer to give us a deeper understanding of them. Smoczynska’s creative directing style brings these journal entries cinematically to the screen through dazzling recreations.

The Silent Twins screens at Cannes ’22:

Tue, May 24 at 7:45 PM at SALLE DEBUSSY

Wed, May 25 at 11:30 AM at SALLE AGNÈS VARDA

Wed, May 25 at 3 PM at CINEUM AURORE

Thu, May 26 at 4:15 PM at CINEUM SCREEN X

#FIRSTLOOK: JUST FOR LAUGHS 40 BACK IN-PERSON THIS YEAR!

Running July 13-31, 2022, JUST FOR LAUGHS MONTREAL is back again this year and they’re doing it BIG! This is the 40th edition of the Festival.

Complete programming line-up for the World’s premiere Comedy Festival has just been announced. Artists like Kevin Hart, John Mulaney, Hasan Minhaj, Chelsea Handler, Ronny Chieng, Patton Oswalt, Marc Maron, Amy Schumer, Jimmy O. Yang, and several more will take the stage as the Festival welcomes back it’s traditional in-person format!

GALAS

The 40th Anniversary Gala- Saturday, July 30 2022 | Théâtre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts | 9:45 PM

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Just For Laughs MONTRÉAL, a brand-new gala is coming to the festival this year. Expect special surprise guests that will include festival favourites for a night of guaranteed laughs not to be missed!

CONCERT SHOWS

Amy Schumer: Whore Tour – Saturday, July 30 2022 | Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place Des Arts | 7:00 PM

Amy Schumer is an Emmy-winning and Golden Globe-nominated standup comedian, actress, writer, producer and director. Schumer is the creator, star, writer and executive producer of the wildly popular “Inside Amy Schumer,” the multi award-winning TV series that ran for four seasons on Comedy Central. Schumer’s successful film career was propelled with Universal Pictures film Trainwreck (2015), which dominated the worldwide box office as the hit summer comedy. She went on to win the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actress in a Comedy; and was nominated for a Writers’ Guild Award in the category of Original Screenplay. That same year, the BAFTAs honoured Schumer with The Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award for Excellence in Comedy. Schumer’s one-hour Netflix Comedy special titled “The Leather Special” earned her a nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in a Variety Special. Her one-hour HBO comedy special, “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo” directed by Chris Rock, premiered on October 17, 2015, and was HBO’s most watched Saturday night comedy special debut since December 2009. Schumer’s first book, The New York Times bestseller “The Girl with The Lower Back Tattoo” earned her a 2017 Grammy Award nomination for Best Spoken Word Album, and was released in paperback in August 2017. In July 2020, Schumer’s three-part documentary series, “Expecting Amy” premiered on HBO Max. Most recently, Schumer co-hosted the 94th Academy Awards alongside Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall. She also wrote, executive produced, directed and starred in her critically-acclaimed 10-episode comedy series “LIFE & BETH”, now streaming on Hulu and Disney+. Often touring theatres and arenas all over the world, Schumer returns to Montreal this summer!

Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny 2.0 – Wednesday, July 27 2022 | Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at Place Des Arts | 8:00 PM

Award-winning comedian, writer and television host, Jimmy Carr is one of the biggest-selling comedy acts in the world. His last tour, Best Of Ultimate Gold Greatest Hits, sold over 480,000 tickets globally with current show, Terribly Funny, set to exceed that figure by the end of 2022. Jimmy is a household name in UK television, well known for hosting Channel 4’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats, in addition to presenting Comedy Central’s Roast Battle UK and Your Face Or Mine. He is a regular on all the top panel shows, has performed as part of The Royal Variety Performance three times, is a judge on hit BBC1 entertainment series I Can See Your Voice and the host of brand-new Channel 4 gameshow I Literally Just Told You. As the first UK comedian to sign a stand-up deal with Netflix in 2015, Carr has released two specials on the platform, and has presented and exec-produced an original panel show format The Fix. Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny 2.0 is Jimmy’s brand-new show that contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things. Terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love. But they’re just jokes – they are not terrible things. Having political correctness at a comedy show is like having health and safety at a rodeo.  Now you’ve been warned, buy a ticket.

Jimmy O. Yang – Wednesday, July 27 2022 | L’Olympia | 7:00 PM

Jimmy O. Yang is an actor, stand-up comedian, and writer best known for his role on HBO’s Emmy-nominated series Silicon Valley. In 2017, he made a dramatic turn in his theatrical debut starring opposite Mark Wahlberg in the highly acclaimed Patriots Day. Shortly after, he joined the ensemble of the international phenomenon in Warner Bros. hit film, Crazy Rich Asians. Yang wrote a memoir, How To American: An Immigrant’s Guide to Disappointing Your Parents, and his hour-long comedy special Good Deal, pulls stories from his life as mentioned in his book. Yang stars and writes Netflix’s Space Force and stars in the holiday romcom Love Hard on Netflix. Yang makes up one-third of the production company Crab Club Inc., which wrapped their first feature film Easter Sunday starring comedian Jo Koy.

Comedy Night in Canada – Friday, July 29 2022 | L’Olympia | 7:00 PM

Just For Laughs is excited to announce Comedy Night in Canada hosted by the one and only, Rick Mercer will be coming to Montreal! Following a very successful coast-to-coast sold-out tour across Canada this past Spring, the festival brings Canadian comedy legend Rick Mercer back to Montreal as he returns to lead a stellar line-up of the country’s most hilarious and diverse comedians. Stay tuned for the full lineup of artists who will join Mercer for this one night only Canadian celebration. 

Dara Ó Briain – Friday, July 29 2022 | Maison Théâtre | 9:30 PM

Stand-up comedian and television presenter Dara Ó Briain is best known in the UK for hosting BBC’s Mock the Week, BlockBusters, Robot Wars, Stargazing Live, Dara and Ed’s Great Big Adventure and Dara O Briain’s Go 8Bit and most recently Channel 4 quiz One and Six Zero’s.

Dara’s latest show Voice of Reason has been performed across the globe, touring in UK and Ireland, Scandinavia, mainland Europe, Australia and the Middle East. It was filmed and released as a BBC special in 2019. In September 2017, Dara released his first children’s book Beyond the Stars (Scholastic), a hilarious journey through the solar system and our galaxy; it has been nominated for the Blue Peter Book Award for Best Non-Fiction. In 2018 the follow up Secret Science – The Amazing World Beyond your Eyes was released to great critical acclaim. His third children’s book Is There Anybody Out There was released in 2020. Dara has also released five best-selling DVDs with Universal Pictures. He will be on a world tour in 2022 and 2023 with his new show, So Where Were We?

James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome – Thursday, July 28 & Saturday, July 30 2022 | Maison Théâtre | 9:30 PM

James Acaster is a whimsical master, and has received acclaim from around the world, including a record breaking five consecutive nominations for ‘Best Comedy Show’ at the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. In 2017, he toured the country with a staggering three show Trelogy, performing Recognise, Represent and Reset consecutively over three nights in each venue. These three shows and Recap form his Netflix four-part series, Repertoire. It was the first of its kind, a standup mini-series with an overarching narrative, and James is the first UK comic to shoot more than one Netflix Original special. In 2017 James released his debut book Classic Scrapes which made the Sunday Times bestseller list. James’ second book Perfect Sound Whatever also made the Sunday Times bestseller list in 2019. This summer will see the publication of James’ latest book, James Acaster’s Guide to Quitting Social Media. In 2019 James completed a mammoth long tour of his hugely successful show Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999 around the UK, Australia and America, the show is now available to watch on Vimeo. James also has two hit podcasts Off Menu which he hosts with Ed Gamble, and Perfect Sounds both of which are regulars on the iTunes top 10 List.

Debra DiGiovanni – Wednesday, July 27 2022 | Maison Théâtre | 9:30 PM

Debra DiGiovanni is a multiple award-winning comedian originally from Toronto, who is now dominating the Los Angeles comedy scene. She tours the world constantly and can be seen on Comedy Central in her digital web series Steph & Deb as well as a part of their Stand-Up Series. Debra performed on Conan, was a finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and has specials on Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Crave. Her album Lady Jazz earned her Top Ten Comedy Albums of the Year in 2019, and a Juno nomination. In 2020, she taped a special for Unprotected Sets on the Epix network.

Jacqueline Novak: Get On Your Knees – Wednesday, July 27 & Thursday, July 28 2022 | Maison Théâtre | 7:00 PM

A New York Times “Critics’ Pick,” and Drama Desk-nominated performance, Get On Your Knees is a high-brow show about the blow job, unexpectedly philosophical and joke-packed, part feminist outcry, part coming-of-age tale of triumph. The show extended six times in New York City in 2019 and 2020 and then reopened in 2021 for another sold-out, extended run. Since 2021, Jacqueline Novak has been touring “GOYK” across the US, Canada, and the UK, and found a regular home for the show in LA, where it sold the most total tickets of any show at Largo at the Coronet in 2021. Her sold-out five-night run at London’s SOHO Theatre this April GOYK garnered glittering reviews, prompting her to return to the UK for limited runs at Leicester Square Theatre and Edinburgh Fringe. She co-hosts POOG, a Time Magazine Top Ten Podcast of the Year 2021, with Kate Berlant.  Jacqueline’s memoir How to Weep in Public: Feeble Offerings on Depression from One Who Knows was published by Crown in 2016.

Katherine Ryan – Friday, July 29 & Saturday, July 30 2022 | Maison Théâtre | 7:00 PM

Creator, Writer, Star & EP of Netflix Original hit series The Duchess (along with two global Netflix comedy specials: In Trouble and Glitter Room) comedian and TV’s Katherine Ryanmakes a hugely welcome return to the stage with her brand-new live show, Missus. Having previously denounced partnership, Katherine has since married her first love, accidentally. A lot has changed for everyone and we can look forward to hearing Katherine Ryan’s hilarious new perspectives on life, love, and what it means to be Missus.

Maria Bamford – Wednesday, July 27 2022 | Club Soda | 7:00 PM

Maria Bamford is revered for her deeply personal and experimental comedy about mental illness. She starred in the surreal, semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite, about a comedian who suffers a nervous breakdown, and is the star of three unconventional hour-long stand-up specials: Weakness is the Brand, Old Baby and Maria Bamford, the special, special, special! Maria was the first female comic to have two half-hour Comedy Central Presents specials. She also created and starred in the cult hit web series The Maria Bamford Show. Maria is often recognized for her prolific voiceover work, including characters on Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman, Summer Camp Island, Adventure Time, Talking Tom and Friends, Bob’s Burgers, Legend of Korra, Puss in Boots, CatDog and PBS’s Emmy-winning series Word Girl. She also stars as Tilly Mulch in Team Coco’s scripted podcast Frontier Tween.

Fortune Feimster – Saturday, July 30 2022 | Club Soda | 7:00 PM

You can catch stand-up comedian, writer, and actor, Fortune Feimster, on the radio, on screens both big and small, and touring her stand-up across the nation. Fortune Feimster’s first one-hour special, Sweet & Salty, is currently streaming on Netflix and was nominated for Best Comedy Special for the Critics’ Choice Awards. Prior to her one-hour special, Netflix released Feimster’s half-hour special in 2018 as part of The Standups, which received rave reviews. Fortune Feimster first became known nationally as a writer and panelist on E’s hit show Chelsea Lately before starring as a series regular on Hulu’s The Mindy Project NBC’s Champions. Fortune can currently be heard every morning with Tom Papa on Sirius XM’s channel 93 on their show, What a Joke with Papa and Fortune. She also hosts a weekly podcast with her partner, Jax, called Sincerely Fortune. Fortune is currently starring opposite David Spade on the new Netflix series, The Netflix Afterparty. Along with co-writing and selling two comedy pilots to ABC, the latter of which is produced by Tina Fey, Fortune co-wrote and is attached to star in two features, Bad Cop Bad Cop and Field Trip, both of which were acquired by Spielberg’s Amblin Pictures.

CLUB SHOWS

The Nasty Show- Wednesday, July 20 through Sunday, July 24 and Tuesday, July 26 through Thursday, July 28 2022 | MTELUS

The Nasty Show is back! Promising to be the filthiest and most shocking show at the festival, this raw comedy series constantly pushes the boundaries, encouraging audiences to check their political correctness at the door… let go, and laugh!  Hosted by the one and only Big Jay Oakerson, this year’s lineup will also feature Liza Treyger, Robert Kelly, Sophie Buddle, Josh Adam Meyers, and Yamaneika Saunders.

Brit(ish)- Wednesday, July 27 through Saturday, July 30 2022 | Le Studio TD

We’re absolutely chuffed to reveal the full lineup for the 2022 Brit(ish) show, hosted by Tom Allen! This year’s series will feature special guest Dara Ó Briain and a wickedly funny lineup including Fern Brady, Nish Kumar, Phil Wang and Sindhu Vee.

PODCASTS

Girls Gotta Eat – Thursday, July 28 2022 | Club Soda | 7:00 PM

Why do guys just want to f*ck you once then watch your Instagram stories until the end of time? How do you get over a breakup when you feel like you’re gonna die? When should you give it up? My boyfriend takes morning baths: IS THIS WEIRD? These are all questions answered on Girls Gotta Eat — a hilarious and uncensored podcast from comedic duo Ashley Hesseltine and Rayna Greenberg. GGE is a top comedy podcast on iTunes, has been reviewed as “life-changing” by thousands of listeners, and the live shows have had record-breaking sellouts in cities all across the US. At this show, Ashley, Rayna, and special guests will answer all those burning questions about sex, dating, and relationships in a one-of-a-kind, interactive experience. No one leaves without a fresh outlook on dating and at least one new ab from laughing.

COMEDYPRO

JFL ComedyPRO returns this year, promising to unite today’s industry trailblazers and die-hard comedy fans for an unforgettable four-day event. While more programming will be released in the coming weeks, the festival is elated to reveal that the coveted discovery showcase, New Faces, has expanded its reach this year… and is going global!

Entering its 26th year, this internationally recognized series has launched the careers of so many of today’s A-list stars. Now, for the first time ever, joining the previously established New Faces, New Faces: Characters, New Faces: Unrepped, and New Faces: Canada, is New Faces: International! We cannot wait to welcome some of comedy’s freshest names from across the world, offering them an international stage to perform some of their best material for comedy’s most influential trendsetters.

New Faces will be taking place on Wednesday, July 27 2022 at 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM at Monument National: Ludger-Duvernay.

New Faces: Characters will be taking place on Thursday, July 28 2022 at 7:00 PM at Monument National: Ludger-Duvernay.

New Faces: Unrepped will be taking place on Thursday, July 28 2022 at 9:30 PM at Monument National: Ludger-Duvernay.

New Faces: Canada will be taking place on Friday, July 29 2022 at 9:30 PM at Monument National: Ludger-Duvernay.

New Faces: International will be taking place on Friday, July 29 2022 at 7:00 PM at Monument National: Ludger-Duvernay.

Stay tuned for more details regarding this year’s cohort for all 2022 showcases, as they will be revealed in the coming months!

Variety 10 Comics To Watch Showcase – Saturday, July 30 2022 | Monument National – Ludger-Duvernay | 9:30 PM

One of the biggest events in the comedy world each year is Variety’s unveiling of their annual “10 Comics To Watch” feature. Catch the best and brightest from “10 Comics To Watch” and let them show you why they made the 2022 list.

OFF-JFL

OFF-JFL has been described as the festival’s edgy sibling, and that couldn’t be truer! Each year, festival goers flock to the unique programming only OFF-JFL has to offer, hoping to discover their new favorite artist, show formats, and material that spans comedy, theatre and music. With over 100 shows, OFF-JFL delivers some of the most memorable comedy content of the fest, combining improv, sketch and stand up from a perfect blend of rising stars and established names.

Rhys Nicholson RHYS! RHYS! RHYS! – Thursday, July 21 through Wednesday, July 27 & Friday, July 29 2022 | Theatre St- Catherine | 10:00 PM & 10:30 PM

Rhys Nicholson is a multi-award-winning Australian stand-up, writer, actor and collager. With an enormous passion for live performing, his work continues to receive awards and accolades around the world. As well as numerous televised stand-up performances in Australia, the UK and Canada, in early 2019 he was hand-picked to open for comedy legend Conan O’Brien as he toured Australia. A few months later, Nicholson’ made his USA television debut as a stand-up guest on TBS’ Conan. In 2019, he recorded his third stand up special, this one for Netflix, making him one of only three Australians with a solo show on the streaming giant. Rhys is a series regular in the Netflix Sci-Fi comedy The Imperfects to be released this year.

Randy Feltface: Alien of Extraordinary Ability – Thursday, July 21 through Thursday, July 28 2022 | Theatre St-Catherine | 8:30 PM & 9:00 PM

Randy Feltface has spent over fifteen years carving out a unique niche on the international comedy circuit. He was nominated for best comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, sold out in London and New York, and featured several times at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. He has released five comedy specials and made his US television debut as a crowd favourite on NBC’s Bring The Funny. His live show is a high energy existential crisis full of the kind of amusing anecdotes and biting observations that have earned him the title of World’s Most Entertaining Non-Human Comedian.

Matteo Lane – Thursday, July 28 & Friday, July 29 2022 | Cafe Cleopatra | 10:30 PM

Matteo Lane is a New York-based comedian whose stand-up special can be seen on Netflix’s The Comedy Lineup. He’s also appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers, HBO’s Crashing and Will & Grace. Matteo is currently developing an animated series Kickass Drag Queen, together with Bob the Drag Queen, Gary Sanchez and Unicorn Island Productions, and co-hosts the podcast “Inside the Closet” together with Emma Willmann. Not limited to just stand up, Matteo also performs a live cabaret, Streisand at the Bon Soir, to great critical acclaim.

Atsuko Okatsuka presents The Intruder – Thursday, July 21 through Wednesday, July 27 & Friday, July 29 2022 | Theatre St-Catherine | 7:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Atsuko Okatsuka is a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer based in LA. Atsuko made her late-night stand-up debut on The Late Show with James Corden. Atsuko is starring in the new Comedy Central animated series, Fairview and the Paramount+ feature film, Washingtonia, from EP Stephen Colbert. She’s written for Adult Swim’s The Eric Andre Show and Soft Focus with Jena Friedman. Atsuko’s on-screen credits include, season 3 of the HBO series, Room 104, The Show Nextdoor with Randall Park on ROKU+, and HULU’s latest project with ATTN: Mom & Pop. Atsuko was named a ‘Comedian To Watch’ by Vulture & ‘Top 10 Comedians to Watch’ for TimeOut LA. She is also fluent in Japanese and Mandarin.

Mark Forward: A Very Mark Forward… – Tuesday, July 26, Thursday, July 28, & Saturday, July 30 2022 | Diving Bell Social Club | 9:00 PM

Mark Forward has done stand-up on Comedy Central’s John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show, CBS’ The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, HBO’s Funny As Hell and The Comedy Network’s Just For Laughs: All Access. His TV work includes Crave’s Letterkenny and FX’s Fargo. Mark also has 2 one-hour comedy specials on Crave, titled Mark Forward presents Mark Forward and Mark Forward Wins All The Awards.

Rosebud Baker – Tuesday, July 26 through Saturday, July 30 2022 | Cafe Cleopatra |

9:00 PM

Rosebud Baker is a New York based comedian, writer and actress, who is currently on the writing staff for the award-winning sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live in its 47th season. Her debut hour stand up special Whiskey Fists, produced by Bill Burr’s All Things Comedy, premiered on Comedy Central Digital in 2021. The special was a hit with fans and critics alike, as Vulture featured Rosebud in “Comedians You Should and Will Know in 2022.” The New Yorker included her in their annual list of “Best Jokes of 2021” and Rolling Stone gushed that her humor “ranges from merciless self-excavation to slashing social satire graced by intelligence and nuance.” She can be seen in the recurring role in the new Hulu series Life & Beth alongside Amy Schumer and Michael Cera, and she is a writer and performer on HBO Max’s WGA Award nominated sketch series That Damn Michael Che. Baker also co-hosts the popular weekly podcast Find Your Beach with her husband and fellow comic Andy Haynes.

Best of the Fest – Tuesday, July 26 & Wednesday, July 27 2022 | MainLine Theatre |

7:30 PM & 9:45 PM

Here’s what you need to know: the title really says it all.

Fest @ The Nest – Tuesday, July 26 through Saturday, July 30 2022 | Comedy Nest |

8:00 PM & 10:30 PM

The world’s most prestigious comedy festival lands in Montreal’s premiere comedy club for 10 mix-and-match, multi-stand-up, full-of-surprises shows.

Midnight Surprise – Thursday, July 21 through Sunday, July 24 & Tuesday, July 26 2022 | Theatre St-Catherine | 11:59 PM

The show is at midnight… the rest is a surprise!

The Alternative Show – Tuesday July 26 through Saturday, July 30 2022 | MainLine Theatre | 11:59 PM

The quintessential comic’s comic takes you off the beaten path of mainstream comedy and into the chaotic wilderness.

DeAnne Smith – Tuesday, July 26 through Thursday, July 28 & Saturday, July 30 2022 | Diving Bell Social Club | 7:30 PM & 10:30 PM

Canadian Comedy Award winner, DeAnne Smith is coming to Just For Laughs MONTRÉAL OFF-JFL this summer! Fresh from taping their second special at the Just for Laughs Festival in July 2021 for Crave, DeAnne Smith is back at the festival with a brand new and hilarious set.

Pre-sale tickets will be available starting tomorrow, Thursday, May 26, 2022 as of 10:00am ET at www.hahaha.com

Tickets will be available to the public on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 10:00am ET at www.hahaha.com

#FOOD: HANA DON LAUNCHES FAIRVIEW MALL LOCATION

HANA DON with its Markham location at Cachet Centre (Woodbine x 16th Ave) has really struck a note with those who know good seafood. They are renowned for their exquisite Donburi, which are comforting rice bowls seasoned with a slightly acidic vinegar, and adorned with treasures of the sea. HANA DON‘s philosophy is to embody the authentic simplicity and decadence of Japanese cuisine.

Much of their ingredients actually come direct from Japan, but also bring the best of local yields. That commitment to quality has been a success story, spawning a second location at North York’s Fairview Mall, which after some delays due to the Pandemic, finally just had its official grand opening. Those south of Markham are in for a real treat.

The modern space on the south side of the mall (facing Sheppard Avenue) carries with it some of the clean elegance its Markham location has, with several of their greatest fan favourites returning for the 416/647 set.

We had the pleasure of trying Customer Top Pick TOYOSU DON. This is a bowl of Sushi Rice, topped with seared premium fish (today it was salmon and white fish), a quail egg and Thai Spicy Mayo. Already armed with a potent ball of Wasabi, all you have to do is stir-in a bit of their premium Soy Sauce with a spoon, and it’s ready to serve. And how perfect is that little Tamago (sweet egg omelette) donning their branding? Simple, flavourful and with balance of fire, it is easy to see why this is a fan fave.

While one might not think to come here for anything but Seafood, we also were able to try the SOUS VIDE BEEF DON. The product of a slow-cook on low heat and vaccum suction, the beef accompanied by peppers and mushrooms, was breathtakingly tender and flavourful, never out-competed for a moment. The beef is the undisputed star of the dish, and a hidden treasure on the Menu.

If you love Uni, HANA DON is just for you. Their famed UNI DON is part of their Premium Don Menu and loaded with local Sea Urchin and a gold leaf. And their real showstopper is their LOBSTER BOOM DON, which is topped with a fresh Canadian lobster and cheese sauce, giving their Don a real Hong Kong-style flare.

Everyone knows a bowl of rice is made perfect by an Umami bowl of Miso Soup and theirs is a delight. Each Donburi comes with a bowl.

The Fairview location also has an outdoor patio, offering additional seating options when the weather is great this Summer. Though this new addition to the family is still finding its rhythm like its big sister, it makes it awful convenient for you to experience some of that HANA DON magic if the venture north is a bit far.

Learn more about HANA DON Fairview Mall here.

_______________________

…and guess what? We love HANA DON so much that we ventured back north to the Woodbine x 16th Avenue location in Markham again for another visit! And true to form, they set the benchmark for excellence. Such a special night out celebrating my Mom’s Birthday, and she also was so impressed.

Some of the exclusives available only to this location we tried.

The PEARL ROLL is absolute perfection. This roll contains assorted fish, tobiko, avocado and a cruchy topping with chopped Toro (Fatty part of the Tuna) and Scallion. But what ties this all together magically is that special Yuzu Miso Sauce. I literally could just order this and be incredibly happy.

Another exclusive to Markham is their SHICHIMI-FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRAB, which is a breaded fried Soft Shell Crab on a base of chilis and peppers. You know how much I love spice and heat, so this was just right for me, though it is a nod to Cantonese cuisine if you love Salt & Pepper Shrimp.

But of course, onto the heavy hitters. While local Uni supply was limited on my visit, fortunately there was enough to order a HOKKAIDO DON, which is a Donburi topped with Uni (Sea Urchin), Ikura (Red Caviar), Hokkaido Scallop, Shiitake, with a ball of Wasabi and Tamago. Such a harmonious balance of flavours and textures, a masterpiece. So satisfying.

The real showstopper though is the LOBSTER DON, which comes with a Chef’s Recommendation. And we tasted exactly why. Each meaty, perfectly-picked Canadian Lobster weighs-in at 1.5 lb, and baked with a tangy Cheese Sauce. If you love Tomalley (that fatty, green substance found in Lobster), there’s a little pocket of that nestled-in there. Again, a nod to Cantonese cuisine and simply sensational.

The ambience here is versatile in that it can be a date night, a night out with friends or a family dinner, all the same. The level of Customer Care is fantastic, with staff knowledgable about the Menu and open to offering recommendations based on your tastes. They even brought my Mom a slice of their Mango Cheesecake, knowing it was her Birthday. Beyond gracious!

Learn more about the Markham location here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER + STILLS FROM “THE GRAY MAN”

Starring Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Rege-Jean Page and Ana de Armas, the Russo Brothers’ THE GRAY MAN is arriving soon on Netflix. Here’s a first look at the brand-new Trailer.

Synopsis: The Gray Man is CIA operative Court Gentry (Ryan Gosling), aka, Sierra Six. Plucked from a federal penitentiary and recruited by his handler, Donald Fitzroy (Billy Bob Thornton), Gentry was once a highly-skilled, Agency-sanctioned merchant of death. But now the tables have turned and Six is the target, hunted across the globe by Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), a former cohort at the CIA, who will stop at nothing to take him out. Agent Dani Miranda (Ana de Armas) has his back. He’ll need it.Ryan Gosling is The Gray Man and Chris Evans is his psychopathic adversary in the Netflix/AGBO-produced thriller directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, starring Ana de Armas, with Regé-Jean Page, Billy Bob Thornton, Jessica Henwick, Dhanush, Wagner Moura and Alfre Woodard. Based on the novel The Gray Man by Mark Greaney, the screenplay is by Joe Russo, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. The producers are Joe Roth, Jeffery Kirschenbaum, Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Mike Larocca and Chris Castaldi. Executive producers are Patrick Newall, Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely, Jake Aust, Angela Russo-Otstot, Geoff Haley, Zack Roth, and Palak Patel.#TheGrayMan

THE GRAY MAN arrives in theatres July 15, 2022 and on Netflix July 22, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#FIRSTLOOK: “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE: DEAD RECKONING PART ONE” TEASER

There’s no doubt that Tom Cruise is back and better than ever! Check-out this new Teaser Trailer released for MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: DEAD RECKONING PART ONE!

Paramount Pictures Canada release MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE DEAD RECKONING PART ONE July 14, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW STILL FROM “VENGEANCE”

B.J. Novak directs, writes and stars in VENGEANCE, coming soon to theatres this Summer!

Story:

VENGEANCE, the directorial debut from writer and star B.J. Novak (“The Office”), is a darkly comic thriller about Ben Manalowitz, a journalist and podcaster who travels from New York City to West Texas to investigate the death of a girl he was hooking up with. With an ensemble cast that includes Issa Rae, Ashton Kutcher, Boyd Holbrook, J. Smith-Cameron, and Dove Cameron.

Universal Pictures Canada will release VENGEANCE in theatres on Friday, July 29, 2022.

(Photo credit: Focus Features)

#INSIDEOUTTO: 2022 INSIDE OUT FESTIVAL PREVIEW

The 2022 INSIDE OUT Festival brought to us by Lead Sponsor RBC, takes place May 26-June 5, 2022 in-person and online in Ontario. The Festival is comprised of 128 films from 28 countries, including 38 feature films, 3 episodic series, and 7 world premieres.

Now in its 32nd year, the Festival celebrating LGBTQ2S+ Film and Television, is highlighted by some high-profile programming, including Prime Video Series, THE LAKE starring Jordan Gavaris and Julia Stiles, plus also Opening Night Film MARS ONE, a Family Drama directed by Gabriel Martin! 

Upcoming Disney+ release FIRE ISLAND starring Bowen Yang and Margaret Cho also will be screening at the Festival!

Our George Kozera had the pleasure of previewing a few of the Festival’s key titles in-advance of this year’s Festival! Here’s his thoughts!

UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS

What sounds suspiciously like a bad joke set-up…a scatterbrained sex worker and a bitter gay Little Person meet and go on a road trip from New York to Labrador in a shockingly pink vehicle so that she can reconnect with the aliens that abducted her when she was 15 years old…UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS is a captivating comedy/drama/sci-fi hybrid that will have you invested from the very first scene. Acclaimed for his winning short movies, this is multi-hyphenate Juan Felipe Zuleta’s first feature-length film and there is nary a false move, from the stunning cinematography and to the haunting score from Sebastian Zuleta. Much like Rom-Coms, road trip movies tend to fall into predictable patterns which this film obliterates with finesse and originality.

As Winona, Sarah Hay gives a fully rounded performance in a difficult role that could have been a cliched mess in a less talented hands. Beautifully-nuanced and impressively balancing the quirky humour or pathos required, I hope to see more of her in the future. Matthew August Jeffers, who many will recognize from his recurring role on TV’s “New Amsterdam,” dominates every scene as Peter. He portrays loneliness, rage, sarcasm, grief, insecurities, intelligence and fear with superior assurance and grace, and I will not be at all surprised if he is nominated for Best Actor at next year’s Independent Spirit Awards.

Hold onto your hats as UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS soars to stratospheric heights.

Fri May 27, 7:15 pm
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BEYOND ED BUCK

I was drawn to the Documentary BEYOND ED BUCK as the story of a rich political insider arrested of drugging and killing two Black men was fictionalized in a recent episode of “Law and Order”. What I watched instead was a by-the-books “talking heads” feature that inexplicitly switched gears one third into the Movie. The first portion held my attention, albeit with many reservations, as I found the case against Ed Buck interesting, and the storyline incorporated sexual fetishes into the equation with aplomb. Then it completely switched gears and turned into a Documentary about Black Trans Lives (neither of Buck’s victims were Trans) with testimonials of those who survived prostitution, violence, and drug addiction. This is fine, but not what we were led to think the Documentary is about.

Documentarians Jayce Baron and Hailie Sahar sadly have taken on many topics that they are passionate about and tried to present too many things in a scant 91 minutes. There’s an unfinished, somewhat unsubstantiated and an incredibly angry one-sided vision presented in BEYOND ED BUCK. There are many stories to be told here and you can’t throw everything into one pot and call it Fusion.

Sat Jun 04, 2:15 pm
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NANA’S BOYS

NANA’S BOYS opens with Q (Jared Wayne Gladly) finding nothing in the fridge and sneaking out a beautifully-furnished Manhattan apartment to buy a birthday breakfast for his, still asleep in bed, life partner Amari (David J. Cook) who is celebrating his “Dirty 30” that day. We quickly ascertain that Q, a successful Lawyer, is a bit of a control freak and Amari is unemployed and shiftless. They bicker in a way that only those in a long-standing relationship do culminating with Amari being overwhelmed by his gift of a wedding ring. When an explosion in Times Square forces the city into lockdown, the two men go into “The Boys in the Band” route and play a truth-seeking game using Polaroids of their life together. Shattering secrets are revealed.

NANA’S BOYS expertly portrays the dynamics of a relationship that changes and evolves much to the blind eye of a partner. Cracks in the foundation appear upon each new revelation. Writer/Director Ashton Pina confidently and concisely makes this very theatrical piece engrossing and elicits earnest performances and a believable chemistry between the two actors. The movie is an emotional roller coaster with gratifying results.

Tue May 31, 9:30 pm
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TRAMPS!

London in the ’60s may have been the epicenter of music and fashion and trends but it was short-lived, and it took 20 years for that city to regain that mantle once again. “It is the duty of every generation to reject the old” says one of many interviewees in the Inside Out Centerpiece Gala, TRAMPS!, a wildly-entertaining and vibrant Documentary about the birth of The New Romantics movement. Adapting from its Punk Rock roots and eschewing the grunge of the Sex Pistols and The Clash, The New Romantics were more theatrical in fashion and melodic in their music which captivated the world. Whereas I personally am a bit of an expert about the New York City Alternative scene of that era, I was transfixed by how it came to be across the pond and relished the Filmmakers use of archival filmed footage and recent interviews with the artistic pioneers of those days. The creatively flamboyant gay roots, exemplified by Boy George, were a crucial factor in the New Romantics success as it spawned new musical identities, informative magazines and genuinely original fashion and jewelry. It also respectfully honours those lost to AIDS (including maverick Filmmaker Derek Jarman and Performance Artist extraordinaire Leigh Bowery) or heroin addiction.

TRAMPS! reminded me of my favourite Grade School Teacher; he taught me new things, expanded my narrow environments, and made it all fun to boot! Highly-recommended.

Tue May 31, 7:00 pm
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FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE

Making a nod to the 1992 song by The Cure, FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE is Documentary Filmmaker Marcus Pontello’s love letter to Numbers, a nightclub in Houston Texas. Bullied as a teenager in and out of high school for being out and proud, Pontello found solace in the Alternative music scene and dancing the night away at the gay watering hole. Originally a GayDisco in the late ’70s, Numbers went through many iterations until it found success as a venue that catered to fans of musical acts that include Nine Inch Nails, Gary Numan and Grace Jones (shown minimally performing on the club’s stage). One of the co-owners of the bar during its heyday years was also the owner of Houston’s most successful record stores and worked tirelessly to promote new bands and music.

I wish FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE was as bouncy and compelling as the song remains to be. It is a rather sophomoric Documentary with endless interviews and little refreshing insights. Record stores have gone the route of the dinosaurs and nightclubs are not jammed to the rafters as they used to be everywhere currently, so the revelations here are not unique as this documentary wishes it could be. The Movie works as an unabashedly paean to a place that forever changed the Filmmaker. Other than that, I see a limited appeal to anyone outside of the Houston area and of a certain age.

Sun May 29, 2:15 pm
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OUT IN THE RING

First-time Filmmaker Ryan Bruce Levey explores the world of professional wrestling and its impact on the LGBTQ2S+ community in the Documentary OUT OF THE RING with passion and insight. Using archival footage alongside recent testimonies from Journalists, Historians and Wrestlers, Levey paints a fascinating and, at times, infuriating portrait of this incredibly unique form of entertainment. The rampant Homophobia and Racism that existed in the past is revelatory, but what profoundly disturbed me is the hypocrisy and greed from current Promoters as they exploit these Entertainers for financial gain. Whereas I could have done without some of the armchair psychological rhetoric presented, the interviews with current LGBTQ2S+ Professional Wrestlers were enlightening and inspiring as they strive for true and honest representation.

OUT IN THE RING introduced me to a world I had no interest in and I am now an informed and less judgmental about this unusual Sport and its Entertainers.

Fri Jun 03, 4:45 pm
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MONEYBOYS

In 1993, the Movie “Strawberry and Chocolate” made an international impact as it depicted gay life in Cuba. Though filmed in Taiwan and coming here after a successful screening at the Cannes Film Festival last year, MONEYBOYS may be the first film that addresses gay life in China. Despite a somewhat morose aura that permeates throughout, this is an accomplished piece of work that deserves attention.

When we first meet Fei (Kai Ko), he is a gay hustler working the rounds somewhere in South China and living with Xiaolai (J.C. Lin) with whom he has an intimate relationship with. After a brutally-violent incident, the story continues five years later when Fei returns to his small hometown village to see his dying grandfather. Despite a joyful reunion with his childhood friend Long (Yufan Bai), Fei’s family members treat him with disgust as, whereas they eagerly accept the money he sends, the method of how he makes his living is anathema to this patriarchal and homophobic environment. Fei leaves the village for good, followed by Long a few days later.

Much of Chinese Cinema has its own unique rhythm and style which may be discerned as over-the-top and soap opera-like by Western audiences. Everyone has their own story of love, be it requited or not. Seeing how Fei’s quest to find his heart’s soulmate falter often had me rivetted. With glorious Cinematography and heartfelt performances, MONEYBOYS is worth searching to experience.

Thu Jun 02, 9:15 pm
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Visit here for more on scheduling and tickets!

#CANNES22: “DECISION TO LEAVE” REVIEW

By Amanda Gilmore

Visionary South Korean Director Park Chan-Wook is back with this visually stunning romantic Thriller Noir.

After a man falls to his death from a mountain, Detective Hae-joon (Park Hae-il) meets his widow Seo-rae (Chinese Actress Tang Wei). She seems to be unaffected by the death of her husband. This causes suspicion amongst the detectives in the precinct. All signs point to her as suspect number one. But Hae-joon doesn’t believe that this mysterious woman could do such a thing. After stakeouts and an interrogation, Hae-joon becomes smitten with the mysterious Seo-rae. Now he must decide if his feelings get in the way of the investigation.

Decision to Leave starts out as a Detective Thriller and turns into something more heartfelt. In brilliant Chan-Wook style the edits and transitions are a visual feast for the eyes. Chan-Wook makes these transitions feel like they are one continuous take. They transport our detective into another scene that is playing out inside his mind. It’s a mesmerizing camera technique that is a delight to witness. There are shots that will dazzle and make any cinephile gasp.

The first half plays out like a gritty Detective Thriller Noir. Hae-joon is on a mission to find who threw this man off of the mountain. It seems like he found his prime suspect but her demeanour throws Hae-joon off. He finds this woman mesmerizing. The effect she has on him is paramount and the audience understands the emotion, thanks to the strong performance from Hae-il. He looks at her like she has all the answers in the world.

That’s when this noir turns into something more romantic. A blossoming relationship flourishes between the two. In lesser hands, this wouldn’t work. However, Chan-Wook excels in this storytelling. Seo-rae has clearly lived a difficult life. She’s been abused by her deceased husband. She carries this weight with her and it’s part of the reason Hae-joon falls for her. The audience is swept-away in this romance because of the chemistry between the two leads.

It’s in the second half when Seo-rae comes back into Hae-joon’s life that Chan-Wook’s intention comes through. This is a story about two people who fall in love in the oddest of circumstances. It’s about how far someone will go to protect the one they love. Wei’s performance is one of the best of the entire decade. It’s a special one that needs to be seen to be believed. She masters the art of mystery within her character. Although some would play Seo-rae as a psychopath, Wei grounds her. She’s a person who has never received real love and care until she met Hae-joon. Due to this, she will stop at nothing to feel it again. 

Overall, Decision to Leave despite being a Thriller, also is tender and romantic. It has an insurmountable performance from Wei that will not be forgotten. Additionally, it reminds us that love is unexpected, needed and selfless.

Decision to Leave screens at Cannes ’22:

Mon, May 23 at 6:00 PM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Tue, May 24 at 8:30 AM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Tue, May 24 at 7:30 PM at SALLE AGNÈS VARDA

Tue, May 24 at 9:30 PM at LICORNE

Wed, May 25 at 9:30 AM at CINEUM IMAX

Thu, May 26 at 12:00 PM at CINEUM AURORE